Main Villains Land Attraction Sees Significant Size Increase

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February 27, 2026

The Main Attraction at Villains Land Sees Significant Size Increase in Latest Wastewater Filings

Villains Land Just Got More Wicked: New Plans Reveal Larger Show Building at Magic Kingdom

Something wicked just grew this way at the Magic Kingdom. Updated wastewater management plans filed for the upcoming Villains Land expansion show that the largest show building in the area has increased in size compared to documents submitted just weeks ago. And while wastewater permits are not exactly bedtime reading for most guests, they can spill some very interesting tea when it comes to what Disney is cooking up behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The newly revised plans for “Project SNK” indicate that the massive structure believed to house the Maleficent-themed dark ride has expanded beyond its previously estimated footprint of around 70,000 square feet. For comparison, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance clocks in at roughly 92,000 square feet, while Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith comes in near 71,000. If this new building is creeping closer to Resistance territory, we may be looking at a full scale, effects-packed, show scene extravaganza rather than a simple spin through villainy.

This update follows reporting from TheWrap that Disney leadership asked Imagineers to go bigger and bolder with Villains Land. According to that report, the Maleficent attraction is being reimagined as a large-scale indoor water-based dark ride designed to rival heavy hitters like Radiator Springs Racers. That kind of ambition would absolutely require a beefier show building, so the expanded footprint lines up with the rumor mill in a very interesting way.

The wastewater plans also show multiple structures within the Villains section, including a second building hovering around 48,000 square feet. Meanwhile, the nearby Cars expansion structure appears to measure roughly 40,000 square feet in the updated documents. Utility lines snake through both expansion pads, tying into existing park infrastructure like the world’s most magical extension cord.

Disney first announced Villains Land at D23 in 2024, promising an “incredibly twisted grand scale” with two major attractions, dining, and shopping. Since then, official details have been quieter than a spinning wheel in a dragon’s lair. Site clearing continues beyond Big Thunder, with the former river areas drained and reshaped as crews tackle what can only be described as a gargantuan earthmoving operation.

While permits are never final blueprints and changes happen constantly during development, the fact that the same type of filing now reflects a larger building is definitely notable. If Disney truly is aiming for a Lightning Lane Single Pass level anchor attraction, potentially priced at the top tier, this expanded show building could be the first real sign that Villains Land is leveling up from sinister to spectacular.

Disney World Closure and Refurbs for March 2026

By

Sara

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February 27, 2026

Every Disney World Attraction Closing for Refurbishment in March

Stay ahead of the crowds and the construction walls with your updated guide to Walt Disney World closures for March 2026. Whether you’re chasing the spring sun or planning a family getaway, knowing which rides are taking a breather will help you maximize every magic moment of your trip!

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle-Ongoing Paint Project

Cinderella Castle is currently undergoing a regal transformation as Disney begins a restoration project to return the icon to a more traditional color palette. Moving away from the vibrant “earidescent” rose gold and cobalt blue of the 50th Anniversary, the refreshed look will feature a classic blend of grays, creams, and soft blues, highlighted by elegant gold accents. Work is expected to continue through the coming months, with a final reveal slated for later in 2026.

To facilitate this massive undertaking, the Cinderella Castle Moat has been drained, giving crews safe access to the lower levels of the structure for surface prepping and painting. While heavy machinery and cranes are required to reach the castle’s highest spires, Disney is working to preserve the magic for your vacation photos—cranes are typically lowered or removed from sight by noon each day to keep those iconic Hub shots as clear as possible.

New Construction Permit for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Extends Into

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

Attention, Junior Space Rangers! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is currently mid-refurbishment after closing last August, but the countdown to its Spring 2026 relaunch has officially begun.

When the Bay reopens, Star Command is rolling out some high-tech artillery to help us defeat Zurg once and for all. Expect a total tactical upgrade, including:

Handheld Blasters: No more fixed cannons! These new blasters feature always-on lasers in two distinct colors for pinpoint accuracy.
Interactive Targets: New reactive targets will now light up when you score a direct hit.
Upgraded Cruisers: Refreshed ride vehicles designed for a smoother journey through the Gamma Quadrant.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Please hold onto your hats and glasses, because the wildest ride in the wilderness is currently taking an extended hiatus. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed for a massive scheduled refurbishment since January 2025, with an expected reopening set for spring 2026.

The excitement continues to build following Disney’s announcement of the new Rainbow Caverns scene, and fans are eager to see what other surprises the Imagineers have in store for this classic coaster. Until the trains start running again, Frontierland feels notably quieter without the thunderous roar of the mountain.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Animation Courtyard

The Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios is currently behind construction walls as it prepares for a cinematic transformation. The area—formerly home to Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!—is set to debut as The Walt Disney Studios later this summer, offering a refreshed hub for family-friendly entertainment and character encounters.

This reimagined land will introduce several new experiences, including:

Olaf Draws!: An interactive drawing experience inside the Magic of Disney Animation.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!: A brand-new stage show for the youngest Disney Junior fans.
Indoor & Outdoor Play: A new climate-controlled indoor playground alongside much-needed shaded outdoor relaxation areas.
Character Hub: Dedicated spaces for meeting your favorite stars from Disney and Pixar films.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Time is running out to catch a ride on the classic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith! You have just one day in March to experience the attraction before it closes on March 2 to make way for a major Muppets retheme.

While the iconic Aerosmith recording studio pre-show was unexpectedly boarded up back in December 2025, you can still rock out to the band’s legendary soundtrack as you blast through the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles. This final “encore” ends after March 1, with the high-speed coaster set to reopen later this summer featuring The Electric Mayhem.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Conservation Station & Wildlife Express Train

The entirety of Rafiki’s Planet Watch (now transitioning to Conservation Station) officially closed on February 23 to begin its transformation into the highly anticipated Bluey Experience. This closure is a total “paws” on the area, meaning the Wildlife Express Train, The Animation Experience, and the Affection Section petting zoo are all currently unavailable to guests.

Fans of the Heelers won’t have to wait too long, however. The land is expected to make its grand return this summer, with rumors pointing toward a May 26 debut to kick off the “Cool Kids’ Summer” seasonal event.

Will any of these closures impact your trip?

Disney Imagineering Shares Behind-the-Scene Look at Avengers: Infinity Defense Ride

By

Sara

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February 27, 2026

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Imagineers Share a Sneak Peek at the New Avengers Attraction

To celebrate Engineers Week (February 22 – February 28, 2025), Walt Disney Imagineering has pulled back the curtain on the multiverse, sharing an exciting new construction update for the highly anticipated Avengers Infinity Defense attraction coming to Avengers Campus.

Walt Disney Imagineering recently took to Instagram to drop an exciting behind-the-scenes update! The video features structural engineer Alanna, who highlights the massive Avengers Campus expansion—a project set to nearly double the footprint of the land at Disney California Adventure.

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The sneak peek offers a first look at the impressive steel canopy designed to bridge the two upcoming attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and the Stark Flight Lab. Alanna also provides a progress report on the main show building for Infinity Defense, where teams are currently assembling the intricate catwalks that will eventually house the high-tech projectors, speakers, and immersive show elements.

You can watch the full video below:

View this post on Instagram

Disney Files Construction Permit for Extensive Work on Pirates of the Caribbean

By

Sara

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February 27, 2026

Disney Files New Permits for Pirates of the Caribbean

The horizon is looking a bit foggy for the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, as the ride prepares for an extended closure. A newly filed permit confirms that major changes are officially on the way, signaling a significant transformation for this fan-favorite voyage.

Newly filed permit documents for Disneyland reveal that a major overhaul is on the horizon for Pirates of the Caribbean. The project includes a deep dive into both technical modernizations and structural updates spanning several iconic scenes.

According to the specific permit details, Imagineers are prepping for a series of precise upgrades:

Scene 7: Installation of three new service ladders for better backstage access.
Scene 11: Significant enhancements to show quality, including refreshed rockwork and the installation of updated projectors and speakers.
Scene 17: Replacement of equipment cabinets and related panels to modernize the ride’s infrastructure.
Structural & Electrical: The addition of a raised grated platform and steps over existing conduit, alongside sweeping electrical and mechanical improvements throughout the attraction.

As of now, the horizon remains clear for Pirates of the Caribbean, which is currently operating and missing from Disneyland’s official refurbishment calendar. However, given the technical nature and extensive scope of the newly filed permits, a closure seems likely in the near future.

With the Spring Break travel season just weeks away, news of an extended refurbishment could throw a wrench into vacation planning for guests hoping to sail with the buccaneers. Beyond the logistics, the permit has sparked a wave of speculation among fans: could these mechanical and electrical upgrades be laying the groundwork for updated show elements or brand-new scene enhancements?

Is Pirates of the Caribbean a must-do when you visit Disneyland?

Aerophile Experience Reopens in Disney Springs with New Balloon

By

Chris B

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February 27, 2026

Aerophile Experience Reopens in Disney Springs with New Balloon

Aerophile Balloon Returns to the Skyline at Disney Springs with a Brand New Look

Look up, Disney Springs fans. The skyline just got its floating icon back. After several days missing from the horizon, the Aerophile balloon has officially returned, and it is sporting a brand-new balloon.

Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight – has reopened at Disney Springs following a brief maintenance closure. During that downtime, the familiar helium balloon disappeared from view while crews worked in the area. Now, guests can once again spot the giant balloon rising above the shopping and dining district, and Cast Members have confirmed that this is indeed a brand new balloon.

The experience operates daily from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., offering guests an 8-minute tethered flight soaring 400 feet above the ground. From up there, you can take in sweeping views of Walt Disney World, nearby resorts, and on a clear day, even glimpses beyond property lines. Tickets are available at the attraction on a first-come, first-served basis, with pricing set at $24.99 plus tax for children ages 3 to 9 and $29.99 plus tax for guests 10 and older.

If you are not quite ready to lift off, Aerophile merchandise is also available nearby for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted while still celebrating the view.

With the balloon back in action, the Disney Springs skyline feels complete again. Whether you are planning a sunset ride or just happy to see it floating overhead, Aerophile is officially cleared for takeoff.

Florida Sets a New Tourism Milestone with a Record 143.3 Million Visitors in 2025

By

Chris B

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February 27, 2026

Florida Sets a New Tourism Milestone with a Record Million Visitors in

Florida Tourism Hits Record 143.3 Million Visitors in 2025

If it felt like the parks were buzzing a little louder last year, the numbers now confirm it. Florida just welcomed a record-breaking 143.3 million visitors in 2025, marking the highest annual tourism total in the state’s history.

According to a press release from the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis, 33.5 million visitors traveled to Florida during the fourth quarter alone, making it the strongest fourth quarter ever recorded. Domestic travelers made up 91.5 percent of total visitation in 2025, while international travel also showed strong numbers with 9.1 million overseas visitors and 2.9 million Canadian travelers.

Latin America continues to play a major role in Florida’s tourism boom. Brazil is now the second largest international source of visitors to the state, with notable increases also coming from Argentina. Those trends line up with what many Orlando theme park fans have noticed in recent years, especially around peak travel seasons.

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Approve Parking Garage Expansion at Orlando Airport

Millions of those visitors passed through Orlando International Airport, better known as MCO, which has already begun expanding to handle the surge. A new parking garage expansion was recently approved, and more than a dozen new dining locations are expected to open to accommodate growing passenger demand.

With destinations like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort continuing to expand, including major additions like Epic Universe, Florida’s tourism engine shows no signs of slowing down.

Disney’s MuppetVision 3D is Coming to Apple Vision Pro Headset

By

Chris B

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February 27, 2026

Disney's MuppetVision D is Coming to Apple Vision Pro Headset

Muppet*Vision 3D Heading to Apple Vision Pro, Brian Henson Confirms

It looks like the Muppets are about to pop out of the screen again, just not in the way we originally experienced them on Grand Avenue. According to Brian Henson, Muppet*Vision 3D is officially making its way to Apple Vision Pro, giving fans a new way to revisit the beloved attraction from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Brian Henson, son of Jim Henson and chairman of The Jim Henson Company, revealed the news during a Q&A following a performance of his improv puppet comedy show Puppet Up! in Los Angeles. According to reports, he shared that the team did an extensive capture of Muppet*Vision 3D specifically for a virtual reality experience.

Users will reportedly be able to choose any seat in the theater and even change viewpoints during the show. That is something longtime fans never had the option to do inside the actual Muppet Theater at Hollywood Studios. Front row chaos with Statler and Waldorf? Balcony vibes? Your choice.

This development has been quietly building for months. In May 2025, Cast Members participated in a special filming event to archive the attraction ahead of its June closure. Then in June, Lisa Henson confirmed that Muppet*Vision 3D had been documented using VR cameras and that discussions with Disney were already underway about a virtual adaptation.

Disney has been an early partner with Apple Vision Pro, already offering immersive experiences like the Disney+ Theater environment. While no official release date has been announced, Brian Henson’s comments are the strongest confirmation yet that a Vision Pro version is in development.

Disney Wonder Family Left Seeking Answers After Being Quarantined During Viral Outbreak

By

Chris B

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February 27, 2026

Disney Wonder Family Left Seeking Answers After Being Quarantined During Viral Outbreak

Family on Disney Wonder Quarantined After Suspected Viral Illness

A Disney Cruise Line vacation took an unexpected turn for one family sailing aboard the Disney Wonder after their daughter was placed in isolation due to a suspected viral illness. What started as a fall in the Oceaneer Club quickly turned into several days confined to their stateroom and a lot of unanswered questions.

According to the mother, who posts on TikTok as @themomladytm, her daughter fell and hit her face while at the Oceaneer Club. The incident was reportedly not communicated to the parents at the time. Later that night, around 2 a.m., the child woke up in significant pain and had a slight fever. The family visited the onboard medical center, where she was diagnosed with a viral illness and given antibiotics.

The following morning, the family was contacted by the ship’s medical team and asked to return immediately. By 8 a.m., they were told their daughter required isolation due to a clinical diagnosis. Doctors reportedly suspected mumps and advised the family they could either disembark and fly home or remain in isolation for five days. Medical staff also requested immunization records and, according to the mother’s videos, encouraged the family to leave the ship.

The family ultimately remained onboard in quarantine. The mother shared that they consulted both the ship’s doctors and their own medical providers while confined to their cabin. She also emphasized that if there had been any signs of illness before embarkation, they would have postponed their cruise, noting they had travel insurance.

Based on updates shared in follow-up videos, the family was released from isolation after three days instead of the initially stated five.

Disney Cruise Line, like many cruise operators, has strict health protocols in place to prevent potential outbreaks of contagious illnesses onboard. Isolation procedures are standard practice when certain symptoms or diagnoses arise, especially for illnesses that can spread easily in close quarters.

As always, if you are preparing for a cruise, it is a good idea to review health policies, ensure immunization records are accessible, and understand onboard medical protocols. Situations like this can be stressful, especially mid vacation, but health and safety measures are designed to protect all guests and crew.

Fantasmic Set for Later Showtimes at Walt Disney World This April

By

Chris B

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February 27, 2026

Fantasmic Set for Later Showtimes at Walt Disney World This April

Fantasmic Showtimes Shifting This Spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If your nighttime plans at Hollywood Studios revolve around sorcerer hats, dancing fountains, and one very dramatic dragon, you will want to double-check those showtimes. Fantasmic! is switching things up this spring, and your evening strategy might need a little pixie dust adjustment.

Currently, Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios performs nightly at 9:30 p.m., but beginning Sunday, March 8, 2026, the show will move earlier to 8:30 p.m. Select nights in March will also feature an additional 10:00 p.m. performance, giving guests a second chance to see Mickey battle it out with Disney villains in a swirl of water, fire, and fireworks.

As we roll into April, the 8:30 p.m. showtime will stick around through April 24. After that, performances shift slightly later to 9:00 p.m., most likely due to those longer spring evenings and later sunsets. At the moment, the calendar reflects a single nightly performance in April, but historically, additional showtimes are often added during busy spring break weeks and as summer crowds begin to heat up.

If you are planning dining, stacking Lightning Lanes, or plotting the perfect spot in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, now is the time to recheck your My Disney Experience app and adjust accordingly. Fantasmic! is one of the most popular nighttime spectaculars at Walt Disney World, and an earlier curtain call can change your entire park flow.

A New Era of Speed Begins as Disney and Formula 1 Team Up for 2026

By

Chris B

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February 27, 2026

A New Era of Speed Begins as Disney and Formula Team Up for

Disney and Formula 1 Shift Into High Gear for the 2026 Race Season

Mickey just traded in his steamboat for a steering wheel. Disney and Formula 1 are revving things up once again for 2026, bringing the “Fuel the Magic” collaboration back to race weekends around the globe with new fashion drops, immersive fan experiences, and even a brand new racing comic series starring Mickey & Friends.

After a headline-grabbing debut at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2025 that included Mickey Mouse lighting up the Fountains of Bellagio, Disney and Formula 1 are continuing their multi-year partnership into the 2026 race season. The green flag waves in March at the Australian Grand Prix before shifting into high gear at the Chinese Grand Prix, where fans will start seeing “Fuel the Magic” pop up at select race weekends throughout the year. Expect immersive entertainment moments featuring Mickey and Minnie in stylish racing-inspired looks, exclusive merchandise collections, and city-specific product drops that celebrate the culture and energy of each host destination.

The storytelling is also speeding onto digital screens. Disney has teamed up with WEBTOON to launch “Mickey x F1 Racing to the Top!” an original vertical comics series debuting during the Australian Grand Prix. The series will run all season long, dropping new episodes in sync with race weekends. In this high-stakes adventure, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy rally to save a struggling racing team, blending friendship and teamwork with the adrenaline of elite motorsport. It is Disney heart meeting F1 horsepower.

At the Chinese Grand Prix from March 13 to 15, fans can look for “Fuel the Magic” fanzone retail pop-ups packed with race-specific merchandise and a core Disney x Formula 1 collection available at the F1 Hub, Grand Prix Plaza, online at F1.com, and the Amazon F1 Store in the U.S. only. On the fashion front, Gentle Monster is launching its 2026 Circuit Collection, a global eyewear collaboration featuring eight bold styles inspired by the structural design of F1 cars, including three designs influenced by Mickey & Friends. Pop-up experiences in Seoul and Shanghai will even feature a monumental Mickey sculpture displayed alongside an F1 car.

Disney Store is also rolling out new product collabs all season long, beginning with a Mickey Mouse plush dressed in a Formula 1 uniform launching exclusively in Australia for the Australian Grand Prix before heading worldwide later this year. From apparel and accessories to collectibles and plush, this collaboration puts Mickey & Friends firmly in the fast lane.

Whether you are trackside or watching from your couch with snacks that rival a Grand Prix spread, “Fuel the Magic” promises a 2026 season full of bold style, global energy, and racing infused Disney storytelling.

Disney Recognizes Top Complimented Cast Members on World Compliment Day

By

Chris B

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February 27, 2026

Disney Recognizes Top Complimented Cast Members on World Compliment Day

Why Guests Can’t Stop Complimenting These Disney Cast Members

A kind word can sparkle brighter than pixie dust, and today that sparkle is shining extra bright. On World Compliment Day, Disney is celebrating a major milestone with more than 3 million Mobile Cast Compliments shared by guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. That is three million thank yous sent straight from the parks to the people who make the magic happen every single day.

Mobile Cast Compliments are a feature inside the My Disney Experience and Disneyland Resort apps that allow guests to send a heartfelt shoutout to a Cast Member who made their day extra special. It could be a Safari guide who turns a bumpy ride into a belly laugh filled adventure or a PhotoPass photographer who transforms a quick snapshot into a core memory. These digital thank yous do more than just feel good in the moment. They follow Cast Members back to their leaders and teams, creating a ripple of recognition long after the fireworks fade.

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris guides Charm and Angel have become guest favorites, earning recognition as two of Walt Disney World’s most highly complimented Cast Members. Charm brings boundless energy to every trek across the savanna, whether she is pointing out a giraffe up close or answering a child’s rapid fire animal questions with genuine excitement.

Angel meets guests exactly where they are, offering humor, empathy, and heart in every interaction. For both of them, the magic is not about numbers. It is about smiles that stretch wider than the African plains.

Across the country at Disneyland Resort, PhotoPass photographer Luis has become the most complimented Cast Member thanks to his ability to turn a simple family photo into a mini adventure. With signature humor and an eye for the perfect backdrop, he helps families capture the kind of moments they frame for years. Guests say it is not just the photo. It is the experience. When those compliments roll in, it is proof that the memory stuck.

If you want to join the compliment chorus, it is easy. Open the My Disney Experience or Disneyland Resort app, scroll to the bottom of the menu, and tap the Cast Compliment button. Choose a positive sentiment, enter the Cast Member’s first name and hometown, and hit submit. Pro tip: Double-check spelling so your appreciation lands exactly where it should!

In a world that moves as fast as a rope drop dash to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, it is pretty magical to pause and say thank you. Three million compliments and counting proves one thing. A little recognition goes a long way down Main Street.

Diamond Horseshoe Dining Ends May 16th for a New Summer Toy Story Experience

By

Chris B

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February 27, 2026

Diamond Horseshoe Dining Ends May th for a New Summer Toy Story Experience

Diamond Horseshoe to Close for Jessie’s Roundup This Summer at Magic Kingdom

Saddle up, partners. A little Toy Story takeover is heading to Liberty Square, and it means the dinner bell is about to stop ringing at the Diamond Horseshoe.

The Diamond Horseshoe at the Magic Kingdom will pause table service dining beginning May 16, 2026 to make way for Jessie’s Roundup, a limited-time Toy Story experience coming in for Cool Kids’ Summer. The western-themed restaurant in Liberty Square will trade mashed potatoes for meet and greets as Jessie, Woody, and friends bring crafts, dancing, and a whole lot of yee-haw energy to the space from May 26 through September 8, 2026.

Disney says regular dining service is expected to return in fall 2026, but the transformation requires the restaurant to close nearly two weeks early to get everything roundup ready. Right now, the Diamond Horseshoe serves an all-you-care-to-enjoy lunch priced at $45 per adult and $24 per child ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. The menu features the Diamond Horseshoe Salad with mixed greens, apples, cranberries, and cheese, followed by hearty western comfort picks like roasted turkey, pot roast, smoked pork loin, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, herbed stuffing, and house made macaroni and cheese.

Dessert is the fan favorite Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake topped with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. If you have been meaning to rope in one last meal here before the toys ride into town, reservations will need to be secured for dates before May 16.

The Diamond Horseshoe has been part of Liberty Square since the park opened in 1971, evolving through multiple menu concepts over the decades. This summer, though, it is all about lasso twirling fun instead of lunch service. If you are planning a Magic Kingdom visit during Cool Kids’ Summer, expect a lively Toy Story hoedown instead of a sit down meal in this classic Frontierland era space.